About Us

For as long as I can remember, I’ve dreamed of owning my own restaurant. That dream became a reality for me, my wife Maggie, and our son Stewart when we became the proud owners of Mary’s Kitchen.

I spent 14 years working at Mary’s Diner—six of those as a manager—and Maggie has over 20 years of experience in the restaurant industry. When the opportunity came to take over Mary’s Kitchen, we knew it was something truly special for our family.

Mary’s Kitchen was originally established 75 years ago along the lake by Neil and Nicole LaRusch, who also own Mary’s Diner. With its deep roots and loyal customer base, this place holds a meaningful spot in the Geneva-on-the-Lake community. We’re honored to carry on its legacy and keep the tradition alive.

This restaurant is more than a business to us, it’s a blessing. The seasonal nature of the operation makes it a perfect fit for our family and allows us to spend meaningful time together during the summer months. We see Mary’s Kitchen as not only a dream realized, but also a chance to grow together as a family.

I’m a 1994 graduate of Geneva High School and have lived in Geneva my whole life. This community means so much to us. The support we’ve received has been overwhelming, and we’ve truly felt embraced. Through Mary’s Kitchen, we’re grateful for the chance to give back to the community that has always stood by us.

It’s humbling and exciting to be part of the Geneva-on-the-Lake strip and to continue the story of such an iconic local restaurant.

From our family to yours—thank you for your support and for welcoming us as the new chapter of Mary’s Kitchen begins. We look forward to serving you!

♡ John, Maggie, and Stewart Krause